When it comes to ringing in the New Year, we're all familiar with the traditional ball-drop countdown. But a few cities across the country really go all out, substituting the ball for something fun and unique.
Here are nine of our favorites:
Bethlehem, PA
The sweetest New Year’s Eve drop occurs in Bethlehem, the home of the beloved PEEPS marshmallow candy. A giant illuminated PEEPS chick, weighing in at 400 pounds and standing more than four feet tall, will be dropped to ring in the New Year.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
One of the largest New Year’s celebrations in the Southeast takes place in Fort Lauderdale, where revelers gather at a massive, waterfront street party. A 700-pound anchor with 12,000 LED bulbs will descend from 100 feet in the air at midnight.
Hagerstown, MD
If you're a fan of donuts, head to Hagerstown to watch as the gigantic Krumpe’s donut descends into a giant cup of coffee at midnight. As a bonus, the first 5,000 people will enjoy a free donut!
Kennett Square, PA
In Kennett Square, the "Mushroom capital of the world," they celebrate by dropping an 8-foot, 700-pound, lighted stainless steel mushroom, of course! And for the kids who won't make it until midnight, there's a festive "raise the mushroom" celebration at 8:45 pm.
Memphis, TN
Memphis will kick off 2019 with the annual Hard Rock Guitar Drop. As the clock strikes midnight, Hard Rock’s famous 10-foot D’Angelico guitar will drop 100 feet over Beale Street.
Mount Olive, NC
A dill-ightful New Year's celebration takes place at the corner of Cucumber and Vine Streets in the town of Mount Olive. Thousands will show up to watch a three-foot, lighted pickle drop down a 45-foot flagpole and into a redwood pickle tank.
Panama City Beach, FL
In Panama City Beach, they replace the traditional ball drop with a beach ball drop! Standing over 80 feet tall, the enormous LED-lit beach ball will drop over the streets of Pier Park along with 10,000 smaller inflatable beach balls.
Plymouth, WI
You'll find the annual "Big Cheese Drop" in Plymouth, the Cheese Capital of the World. A giant wedge of cheese, more than 8 feet long and weighing in at 120 pounds, will be hoisted up by a fire truck and then dropped to kick off 2019.
Port Clinton, OH
For the 22nd year, revelers in Port Clinton will celebrate with a Walleye Drop as a 20-foot, 600-pound fiberglass walleye named Wylie drops at midnight. For families with young children who won't make it to midnight, there's also a family-friendly Minnow Drop at 6 p.m.
